mio caro amico
/ˈmi.o ˈka.ro aˈmi.ko/word by word
The English phrase "my dear friend" is translated into Italian as mio caro amico.
mio caro amico is a warm and affectionate way to address or refer to a close male friend. Using this phrase to begin a letter or a speech can sound somewhat formal, old-fashioned or literary compared to casual spoken Italian.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mio (my), caro (dear/expensive) and amico (friend).
Which one should you use?
Use mia cara amica when referring to a female friend.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a group of male or mixed-gender friends, use the plural form miei cari amici. If the group consists exclusively of female friends, use the plural form mie care amiche.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmi.o ˈka.ro aˈmi.ko/. The word has 6 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the gesture of a warm embrace and a kiss on both cheeks often accompanies the spoken phrase mio caro amico when greeting a close peer.
- Because caro can mean 'expensive', calling a person mio caro amico can, in very specific humorous contexts, sound as if you are calling them 'my dear, costly friend'.
- The Italian word amico shares a common ancestor with the English word 'amicable', which describes a friendly or peaceable relationship.
Examples in context
- Era un mio caro amico.He was my dear friend.This sentence shows how to use mio caro amico when describing someone in the past.Tatoeba #4897307 by Guybrush88, translation #297917 by CM
- Mio caro amico!My dear friend!This sentence shows how to use mio caro amico as a direct address.Tatoeba #4274490 by Guybrush88, translation #3631514 by thegui
- Lui è un mio caro amico.He is a dear friend of mine.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina is welcoming Lorenzo into her home.
- MartinaBenvenuto a casa, mio caro amico!Welcome home, my dear friend!
- LorenzoGrazie mille per l'invito, Martina.Thank you so much for the invitation, Martina.
- MartinaÈ bello rivederti dopo tanto tempo.It is great to see you after so long.
- LorenzoAnche per me è un piacere.It is a pleasure for me too.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mio, caro, amico) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amico, caro, mio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
